Apple fans have reason to mark their calendars for February 11, as the tech giant is poised to unveil the fourth generation of the iPhone SE and the much-anticipated PowerBeats Pro 2, according to sources from Bloomberg. This announcement is expected to be relatively low-key, with no formal invites for an event issued yet, signaling a smaller-scale reveal.
The Evolution of iPhone SE
The new iPhone SE is set to continue Apple's approach of providing a more affordable smartphone option. This latest iteration is especially noteworthy as it represents the first update since 2022 and the discontinuation of the previous model in the EU due to its non-compliance with the Common Charger Directive. Expected to adopt a USB-C port, the new iPhone SE design hints at a shift closer to the aesthetics of the iPhone 14 series, moving away from the iPhone 8 features such as the Touch ID, which is anticipated to be replaced by Face ID technology. Further enhancing its appeal, the fourth-gen iPhone SE is rumored to integrate Apple Intelligence, aligning it with the capabilities of the iPhone 16 models and the iPhone 15 Pro. Another significant upgrade might be the introduction of an Apple-designed in-house modem, reducing reliance on external suppliers like Qualcomm.
Market Impact and Expectations
The launch is strategically important for Apple's market share in China and India—currently the top two smartphone markets globally. Despite recent struggles, particularly in China where iPhone sales have seen an 11% decline, the new iPhone SE aims to regain momentum. This challenge is compounded by strong local competition and the absence of Apple Intelligence in China.PowerBeats Pro 2: A New Era for Wearables
Alongside the iPhone SE, Apple is set to refresh its wearable technology line with the introduction of the PowerBeats Pro 2. These new earbuds are expected to be a significant upgrade from their predecessors, coming six years after the original. Innovatively, they are rumored to include heart rate tracking, a feature that would extend Apple's health monitoring capabilities from the Apple Watch to its headphone products.